Simmenfälle

Simmenfälle is a series of cascades on the Simme river in the upper Simmental valley, a short drive from the resort village of Lenk in the canton of Bern. In summer the river carries so much water that you hear the falls from the road. They are also the easiest trailhead for a walk up to the Simme's source.

What will you see at the Simmenfälle?

The main sight is the cascade itself, which you pass on a wide path right beside the water. Local accounts say the falls are not entirely natural: in 1702 rock was blasted to straighten the river's course, because the Simme had flooded the valley repeatedly. Published heights vary, since sources describe different stretches of the falls, so we give no single figure. A restaurant stands by the car park, and more places to eat lie further along the trail.

How do you get there?

From Lenk you can drive or take the bus to the stop called Lenk, Simmenfälle. Parking is at the Restaurant Simmenfälle, with extra spaces near the school on the Lenk–Simmefäll road. From there a broad, gently rising track leads past the cascades to the Rezliberg alp.

Where does the walk continue?

From Rezliberg, a short detour leads to the Siebenbrünnen (Sibe Brünne, "seven springs"), where the Simme begins. The water gushes from cracks at the foot of a limestone wall in a fan roughly 30 metres wide, fed by meltwater seeping from the glacier between the Wildstrubel and the Rohrbachstein. In summer up to 2,800 litres per second flow out of the seven springs. The longer loop continues to the Flueseeli lake and the unstaffed Fluhseehütte hut: about 10.8 km, 1,055 m of ascent, roughly 4 h 50 min, graded T3 (demanding mountain hiking), recommended June to October. Another option from the same start climbs to Iffigenalp, where you can eat and see the Iffigfall waterfall.

When should you go?

Summer and early autumn are best: trails are open and the river runs strongest after the snowmelt. In winter the area belongs to skiers and the paths to the source are not recommended. Check trail conditions and hut opening before setting out.

Frequently asked questions

Is there an entrance fee?

The sources mention none for reaching the falls; only parking or a meal at the restaurant may cost money.

How long does the falls alone take?

The walk to the cascade and back is a short stop. Allow considerably more for Rezliberg and the Siebenbrünnen.

Can you eat along the way?

Yes. There are restaurants at the Simmenfälle, at Siebenbrunnen and on Iffigenalp, plus several fire pits.

Where is the source of the Simme?

At the Siebenbrünnen on the Rezliberg above Lenk, right at the foot of a limestone wall.